The palace was crowded with nobles from far and near, a royal banquet was going on and that was because the kings most feared commander is returning after three year of brutal military campaigns.
People lined the street but, they aren't celebrating exactly, they're afraid
Whispers spread through the crowd :
Raven has returned.
The wolf of the seven knight walks among us again.
Who knows how many enemies he buried this time?,
Raven ride through the gate on a black horse, dressed in blood stained armor.
He didn't smile.
He didn't acknowledge the cheering coming from the crowd.
His reputation arrives before he does.
He stared coldly at the palace wall before riding in with his men.
****
Look who will have here. "
The generals men were the first to bow,
'' My lady"
Raven, I've been waiting here the whole time for you what took you so long ?
Return finally turned.
Princess Nayya he bowed slightly
Oh come on!!!
Ever since you became the general you have suddenly become so cold towards me that isn't how you react after seeing your long time friend.
Raven touched his temple,
I have to change was the only word he uttered before leaving with his men.
###
The palace had never looked more beautiful,hundreds of golden lamp hung from the highlights over the polished marble floor.
Long table stretch across the hall was
Covered with white silk cloth and decorated with silver plates, crystal goblet, roasted meat, fruits and bowls of different flavored dishes.
Musicians sat along the eastern wall filing the room with the soft sound of lute and drums.
Nobles have traveled from every corner of the kingdom for the kings banquet.
Dukes spoke quietly with generals.
Ladies laughed behind jewels fan.
Minister exchanged careful words.
While servant moved between the tables pouring wine into empty goblets.
Yet beneath all the celebration was one subject everyone seemed determined to discuss,
Raven.
The famous general has been absent from the capital for three years, some said he was fighting another war at the northern border others claimed he had return with another kingdom on its knees.
What ever the truth was, his name was enough to lower voices through out the hall.
At the far end of the banquet,
Rlina sat beside her two hand maid Mira and Elira
She wore a deep blue gown embroidered with tiny silver flower.
Her hair had spent most of the evening wishing she would escape the uncomfortable attention of the noble around her.
Mira lean closer
You've barely touched your food
Rlina glance at her plate
Iam not hungry
Elira smiled
You're nervous
Iam not
You've been staring at the same piece of meat for ten minutes
Rlina sighed
Perhaps the meat has offended me
Both hand maid laughed quietly
Before Rlijna could answer, a group of young noble women passed behind them there conversation got Rlina's attention
Did you hear.?one whispered
The general is returning tonight
Raven?
Who else
Another girl shuddered
I heard he executed fifty men after the last rebellion
My father says he is worst than the stories
A third girl smiled dreamily
Perhaps he was simply misunderstood
Her companions stared at her
Misunderstood.?
He is handsome
Rlina nearly choked on her drinks
Mira covered her mouth to hide her laughter
You heard her Elira whispered.
The terrifying general Raven has admirers
Rlian shook her head
I have never even met the man
You may tonight, Mira said
Rlina's smile disappointed for some reason, those words made her uneasy.
At the royal table king Aldric watched the banquet from his elevated throne
He was aging threaded through his dark hair, but his eyes remained sharp beside him sat Queen Seraphines,elegant and composed
The king lifted his goblet
The music slowly stopped
The entire hall turned toward him
My lord's and ladies, he announced
Thank you for honoring my invitation
Everyone raised their cups
To the king !
To the kingdom!
The king smiled
Tonight we celebrate peace "
A mumur of approval passed through the hall.
For too long, out kingdom has known war, but tonight our bordes are secured, our enemies have been defeated and our people may finally look towards the future
The nobles applaused but the kings gaze briefly shifted toward the entrance.
